Numbers are used in many ways, some more mathematical than others.

At some point in their math development, children will begin to understand that numbers are not always for counting or telling “how many.” Awareness of this fact helps children sort out the confusing varieties of number-related input they receive in their daily life.

Jennifer McCray, director of Erikson’s Early Math Collaborative, continues her talk on some of the major misunderstandings about what goes into teaching mathematics to young students. In this section, she focuses on how children gradually develop their understanding of number and quantity.